As global real estate markets continue to evolve, Southeast Asian investors, particularly those in Singapore, are increasingly looking beyond their borders. In this exclusive interview, James Puddle, Head of International Residential at JLL, shares the story behind The Global Property Expo 2025, Singapore’s first dedicated platform for international residential investment. Recognizing a gap in the market, JLL launched this initiative to connect sophisticated local investors with vetted global developers, offering insights, advisory services, and transactional opportunities under one roof.

Puddle discusses the Expo’s mission to empower individual investors through transparency, education, and access to international opportunities—especially amid rising interest in lifestyle-driven and sustainable real estate. He also sheds light on the broader trends reshaping the market, from the rise of branded residences to the increasing importance of ESG considerations. With Southeast Asia’s growing wealth and digital connectivity, the region is poised to redefine global property investment.

Looking ahead, JLL envisions the Expo becoming Asia’s leading annual forum for cross-border residential property. Puddle’s insights offer a compelling look at how JLL is helping investors navigate this dynamic and borderless landscape.

1. Can you tell us about the origins of the Global Property Show?

At JLL, we noticed a growing appetite from Southeast Asian investors—especially Singaporeans—for overseas real estate. In 2023, Singapore-based investors committed over US$25 billion abroad, yet there was no platform locally that connected them with global developers. The Global Property Expo was launched to meet this need. It’s a first-of-its-kind event in Singapore dedicated to international residential investments, offering insights, valuation services, and even opportunities to transact.

2. What are your key objectives with this event?

We aim to build confidence among Singaporean investors in exploring overseas property opportunities. The Expo offers a space to ask questions, gain knowledge, and make connections. Our goal is to grow this into Asia’s leading annual platform for international residential investment.

3. What sets the Global Property Show apart from others in the region?

Most real estate events focus on institutional players or local developments. We’re different—we focus on the needs of individual Singapore-based buyers. The Expo features vetted international developers, buyer-focused services, and practical advice on legal, financial, and lifestyle considerations. Trust and transparency are central to everything we do.

4. Why launch in Singapore?

Singapore is a key hub for cross-border investment due to its financial infrastructure and investor sophistication. In fact, Singaporeans are among the world’s most active overseas property investors. With a strong legal system and global connectivity, it’s the ideal launchpad to link developers with serious Southeast Asian buyers.

5. How is Southeast Asia influencing your strategy?

As the region grows wealthier and more connected, buyers are becoming more informed and internationally minded. We’re adapting by strengthening cross-border advisory services and offering education through events like the Expo. It’s about guiding investors and helping developers navigate local nuances.

6. How are Asian investors shaping global property trends?

Asian investors are driving a shift in global residential real estate. In 2023 and 2024, they invested billions into key markets like North America and Europe, with growing interest in lifestyle-driven purchases and stable returns. This is fueling demand for residential properties over commercial assets. We’re helping clients navigate this borderless, digitally-enabled investment landscape.

7. What’s trending in the luxury and prime residential market?

Branded residences are on the rise, especially in Asia Pacific, now the second-largest market globally. Buyers seek more than a premium address—they want services, exclusivity, and lifestyle integration. We’re seeing strong demand in markets like Japan, Australia, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. JLL supports this segment through advisory and global showcases.

8. Has the definition of “home” changed post-pandemic?

Absolutely. “Home” now includes work, wellness, and family needs. Buyers want flexibility, outdoor space, and smart design. Many are also pursuing second homes abroad due to remote work trends. This has led to the rise of the “global landlord”—investors building international residential portfolios for income and lifestyle.

9. How important is sustainability in today’s market?

Sustainability is now a major decision factor. Buyers prioritize energy efficiency, green materials, and smart home tech. In Southeast Asia, ESG-conscious investment is accelerating. The Expo reflects this, with sessions on sustainability, PropTech, and fractional ownership, and showcases from developers focused on eco-friendly design.

10. Where do you see the Global Property Show in 3–5 years?

We envision it becoming the premier international property platform in Asia—expanding in scale, markets, and investor-developer engagement each year.

11. How is JLL evolving to support cross-border investors?

We’re shifting from being a traditional intermediary to a strategic advisor—using data, tech, and local expertise to help investors enter and scale in emerging markets. We provide end-to-end support, from due diligence to asset management, especially in dynamic markets like Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.

12. What excites you about Southeast Asia?

The region is full of energy and transformation. Buyers are globally curious, ambitious, and rooted in culture. Markets like Singapore act as bridges between capital and opportunity. Through the Expo, we’re helping connect these forces in a meaningful way.

13. Which Southeast Asian markets are underrated?

Destinations like Phuket, Penang, and Lombok are undervalued but growing. They offer lifestyle appeal, affordability, and strong fundamentals. We’re seeing high-end, sustainable developments emerge in these areas, and the Expo is a great platform to spotlight them.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes